Meralco beats Ginebra to force do-or-die

Local

THE Meralco Bolts forced a sudden-death match after they held off the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 108-104, in Game 2 of their 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-three quarterfinal series on Friday night, February 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Bouncing back from a 92-100 loss in the series-opener, the Bolts even the series at 1-all with the do-or-die match set on Sunday, February 9, at the Ynares Center.

Winner in what could be a thrilling match on Sunday will advance to the semifinal round to face the NorthPort Batang Pier in a best-of-seven series.

NorthPort advanced to the Final 4 after dispatching the Magnolia Hotshots in their own quarterfinal duel.

The Bolts banked on balanced attack to keep their campaign alive as they had six players scoring in double figures.

Chris Newsome topscored for Meralco with 24 points with Cliff Hodge adding 17 markers.

Jansen Rios contributed 15 markers, Bong Quinto had 14 points. With the locals producing big, Meralco import Akil Mitchell didn't have to do much as he tallied a meager 13 points. Paolo Banchero was the sixth Bolt in twin digits with 14 points.

Justin Brownlee erupted for 36 points but only three Ginebra locals scored in double figures.

Scottie Thompson wound up with 21 points, RJ Abarrientos netted 12, and Japeth Aguilar had 10 in a losing cause.

THE SCORES:

MERALCO (108) – Newsome 24, Hodge 17, Rios 15, Quinto 14, Mitchell 13, Banchero 13, Black 8, Almazan 2, Cansino 2, Bates 0, Pascual 0, Caram 0.

GINEBRA (103) – Brownlee 36, Thompson 21, Abarrientos 12, J.Aguilar 10, Rosario 9, Malonzo 9, Ahanmisi 2.

QUARTERSCORES: 26-25, 58-53, 85-81, 108-104.(CCM)